OBITUARY

David Lee Cocagne

March 14, 1969 – December 28, 2014

The Cocagne family wishes to thank all those who celebrated David Cocagne's life by attending the funeral services or expressing sympathy in other ways. Please know that the sharing of your love for David helps us to begin to heal the hole we have in our hearts. Several of you asked about gifts to be given in David's name; one of his employers has given us an answer. David taught private guitar lessons at Clarkston Conservatory for more than ten years. We are collaborating with Clarkston Conservatory to create a scholarship fund for guitar students who take lessons there. The Clarkston Conservatory already manages another scholarship fund in honor of a former teacher, so they are set up for this purpose. Donating to a non-profit is usually tax deductible - T.I.N. #38-3280736
If you wish to donate to this fund, please make checks to:
Clarkston Conservatory of Music
memo- David Cocagne scholarship fund
And mail to:
Clarkston Conservatory of Music
attn: Jim Wilhelmsen - David Cocagne Scholarship Fund
49 S. Main Street
Clarkston, MI 48346

http://www.clarkstonconservatory.org/default.asp

David Cocagne, March 14, 1969 - December 28, 2014
With heavy hearts, we say goodbye to David, who passed away too early, at age 45, in Royal Oak, Michigan. David’s immediate family includes his Mom and Dad, Dixie and Charles Cocagne; his two loving brothers, Andrew and Edward and their families: Andy’s wife Carole and their children Matthew and Natalie; and Ed’s wife Panya and their son Arthur; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins and their spouses; and finally, David’s long-time performance partner Michael Blaszkiewicz. David was much beloved by his family, and, because of his genial and kind nature, much beloved also by a host of friends and musician colleagues. A consummate musician, David’s career began when he was just a teenager at Northville High School, beginning with electric guitar lessons and finding his way into various rock and roll performance opportunities. While living in Venezuela when his father was transferred there, he became interested in Spanish guitar and Latin music. By the time he was ready to decide on a college career, he knew he wanted to study music. He completed his B.A. and Master’s degree in classical guitar performance, under his teacher Joe Fava, who learned from Andrés Segovia. David lived music, both in the classroom and on the stage. He had a long teaching career, most recently at Clarkston Conservatory of Music and at Oakland Community College. Lucky students of all ages learned their chops from David. He was such a good teacher because he was such a good performer. He loved spending his spare time performing, and over the years, could be found in grubby bars as well as on the classical stage. He organized several bands playing rock (Feisty Cadavers) and jazz (The Troubadours), and classical concerts with his performance partner Mike B. Above all, David was family oriented, and a loyal friend. He loved to host family events, and played for family and friends whenever the occasion occurred. Most recently, he joined his Mom and Dad and some members of the choir of St. Francis of Assisi church playing Christmas carols up and down the halls of the VA Hospital in Ann Arbor. Visitation will be at Muehlig Funeral Chapel (403 S Fourth Ave, corner of William) on Monday, January 5th, 2015, 3 – 7:00 pm and at St. Francis of Assisi church (corner of E Stadium and St. Francis) on Tuesday, January 6th, 10 - 11:00 am, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 am. Please visit www.muehligannarbor.com to leave the family your condolences.

REMEMBERING

David Lee Cocagne

Supriya Kopf

Just learned of his passing today. I was a friend of his and Frances. Very much enjoyed listening to his music with the Troubadours. Deepest condolences to your family.

Daniel Showalter

May 5, 2015

I remember Dave from the WSU Men's Glee Club. We went to Wales together with the MGC and came in 3rd place for Male groups. Dave was such and calm and happy guy. I loved hear him and Mike play their guitars. We will miss him and his music. He's in the front row, 2nd from the left with his constant pony tail.

Frances Samarco (Cocagne)

February 19, 2015

I miss you so very deeply Davey C. You will always be everything to me....I will always love you,I will always remember you, I will never ever ever let you go.

February 6, 2015

I too just learned about this tragic news today. I am saddened that I missed the memorial. My condolences to the entire Cocagne family. Steven Dearing

Kara Buback

January 28, 2015

Well mr David was my guitar teacher until my dad got a call that said David will not be teaching any more and to this day i just figured this terible thing out and I cried so much I felt like I barly got to meet him with love kara bipuback

Paul Miller

January 11, 2015

I just found out today and am deeply saddened by David's passing. I have been a student of his at the Clarkston Conservatory for over a year now. I took up guitar then, in my retirement, and he was always caring and supportive even though I had no musical back ground what so ever. He will be missed by many.

Ryan W

January 11, 2015

I didn't know David very well but he was in a couple of my classes this past semester at EMU and he was such an amazing humble musician and a very kind and genuine person. We will surely miss him in the music program at Eastern and I am honored to have a piece of his music in my repertoire. My thoughts are with the Cocagne family in this difficult time.

Diane Winder

January 10, 2015

The Department of Music & Dance at Eastern Michigan University mourns this loss and sends strength and music to heal and support David's family, students and many colleagues.

Roberta Justice

January 9, 2015

I am truly saddened to hear of this. David had joined our music therapy program to expand his uses of music in the world, and I looked forward to getting to know him better. The world is diminished by his leaving. My condolences to all of his family and circle of friends.

Mary Rose Nieman

January 9, 2015

David was a fabulous musician and a caring individual. He was an acquaintance of mine in the music therapy program at EMU. He was such a valuable contribution to the program and a wonderful person to talk to. My thoughts and prayers reach out to the Cocagne family during this time of loss.

j scott howard

January 8, 2015

although i hadn't seen dave in 25+ yrs, i do remember him as a genuine and happy high school kid. he was, and will always be, a true and original guitar hero to lots of us. my condolences to his family and friends.

Marianne Huben(Drutis)

January 8, 2015

You have touched our lives through your music and your kindness. We are heartbroken for you and your family.

Ron and Cindy Cowen

January 7, 2015

We are so sorry to here about your loss, Ron and Cindy Cowen

Marla Piluras

January 7, 2015

Andy ,My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family , durning this terrible lost.May God watch over you and comfort you all in your time of need.Sincerely,Marla FHS

Kat Miller

January 7, 2015

Sending Love and prayers to your family. Missing you now & forever. The world is better for everything you did the people you touched and sharing your talents. Love Kat

Bill Clark

Ken Freeland

January 7, 2015

David taught my son how to play guitar. Scott took lessons from David at Bluefish for six years. David always welcomed Scott and me with a million-dollar smile and genuine warmth when I took Scott to his lessons. I am so sad to hear of his passing. He was truly a gentleman with amazing gifts. I saw him and the Troubadors perform at Bluefish once and I was blown away. David was truly a gifted teacher and he made Scott feel so special with his playing. My son is 16 now and he still plays guitar. I often think of David when I hear him playing guitar in our home. I attached a photo of Scott's last recital with David from 2012.

January 7, 2015

We offer our most sincere condolences to the family & friends of Dave. He was a truly good guy and a great musician. So long friend.

Artie Wolff, Donna Wolff & Mike Downey

January 6, 2015

Parents of Dave, Most unfortunately I discovered Dave's death only moments ago -- Tuesday morning at 10:15 -- so I could not get to the visitation onMonday nor the funeral on Tuesday. Dave had been my guitar teacher for the last four years -- anexcellent teacher. I'll always be in his debt. Moreover he was amost kind man. You did an excellent job of raising him. Daniel Liderbach

William G Kring

January 6, 2015

My deepest sympathy to Charles Cocagne and his family on the death of their son and brother, David. May he rest in peace.

Jody Bauman

January 6, 2015

I'm so sorry for the lose of your loved one Dave. He was the meaning of great guy. I met Dave in 1985 and he never changed up until the last time I ran into him at smalls a few years ago. I will miss that great guitar and huge happy smile as we all will. When I think of dave I think of when he was in jazz band. And we went to the jazz recital because Dave was always something fun to watch and a few other guys that were just rock 'n rollers that played in jazz band. But it came time for Dave to do his solo and he stood up pulled his hair down and just ripped out at Rockin solo and just made the audience laugh and applaud and even back then you just knew he was a great guy. Going to miss you a lot!

John Cox

January 6, 2015

Thank you Dave for your friendship, patience, and sharing your gift of music with us - especially with your students, which I was. My deepest sympathies to the family.

Lloyd Bloom

January 6, 2015

Charlie and Dixie,

So sorry to hear about your son. Janet and I will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

YBIS, Lloyd Bloom

Debbie Movsesian

January 6, 2015

Our family knew Dave because he has been teaching our oldest daughter, Ella, guitar for the last year and couple months. He was always sweet and encouraging. He made her love it. Lainy knew him from being at the lessons with Ella. Here are their messages to him...

"Thank you for being my first and best guitar teacher. I will always miss you." Ella (10)

"You were so fun and caring to us and you were such a good guy. We will always miss you. Thank you." Lainy (7)

He so easily touched our lives. He will be missed indeed.

Karsten Fliegner

January 6, 2015

We are saddened beyond words. Dave taught my son Max for years, and then my daughter Julia for the last two years. What made him a great teacher was his immense patience and his love of guitar. We miss him already. Here he is with Max:http://youtu.be/V53gxNuBW68

George Walker

January 6, 2015

Dave was a great teacher and i was very lucky to have as my first guitar teacher.

Dylan Walker

January 6, 2015

Dave was a really nice teacher and was a kind person

January 5, 2015

Hi Dixie, and Charlie, We are so sorry to hear of your son passing. You and your family are in our prayers.Herb and Mariann Meyer

Garet Stolberg

January 5, 2015

Dave was a best friend for years, he will be missed very much, peace for your family.

Lee Dyament

January 5, 2015

My sincere condolences to the Cocagne family.David was well respected and loved by his fellow guitarists at Wayne State; a brother in the art; gentle, unassuming, and passionate.

Ted Canaday

January 5, 2015

Peace and blessings to the Cocagne family, and my condolences. I had the honor of touring with David and Mike with the Wayne State University Men's Glee Club in 1996, and my six-year-old son grew up listening to The Troubadours. David touched thousands with his music, and even more with his warmth.

Mike Makowski

January 5, 2015

Dixie, Charlie, Ed & Andy and your families - We're all better people for having known Dave. He left us all in a better place whether by a simple smile that was always there, a warm hug that was always offered or a beautiful melody that was a joy to hear. I'm proud to have been his brother-in-law. I hadn't seen him in quite some time but it was always a comfort knowing that he was around. I miss him deeply.

Zia Haider

January 5, 2015

Chuck, I just heard about your tragic loss from Stuart. I am saddened by your loss and wish you strength to get through this very difficult times.

Zia

January 5, 2015

Charlie and Dixie, Diana and I are so sorry for the tragic loss of your son David. We send to you and your family our prayers and thoughts at this difficult time.

Michael & Diana James

Ron Elkin

January 5, 2015

Dixie, I am so, so sad to hear this. I cannot even imagine how horrible this must be for you. I didn't know David well, but he always impressed me with his playing and I know you adored him. Please know you have my deepest condolences.

January 5, 2015

Charlie and Dixie - Marcia and I send big hugs and prayers to you at this most difficult time. YBIS - John Frye

Mike Bodary

January 5, 2015

Charlie & Dixie, Kathy and I were so saddened by this news. We'll keep you in our prayers. "May God hold him in the palm of His hand".

Fred Sanderson

January 5, 2015

...was unaware of Dear Dave's efforts at A2 VA hospital, to which I am a frequent visitor/patient....for that alone, I once again Salute you David, and hope my heart stops hurting this way sometime soon,,,on behalf of your Plymouth Guitar compadres ' we salute you and will never forget you...Love, eternal,Fred SandersonPlymouth Guitar (retired)

Tina Lanquist

My deepest hearfelt condolences to all of Dave's family. He meant so much to so many people and none of us wants to say goodbye to him. We will always love him .

Steve Reschak

January 5, 2015

May your soul be at peace and your inpiration burn on.

Lee Meyer

January 5, 2015

Charlie, Dixie, Andy, and Ed, So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I have so many fond memories from those years, of all us boys getting together and having a blast. Dave's personality, his smile and laughter will always be remembered. A very special person and musician, that touched many people in different ways. Dave early on helped introduce me to the music he loved, and I still remember my first concert i ever saw was with him at Cobo, back when we were still in grade school. Love to you all

Sally Belknap

January 5, 2015

Charlie, Dixie and family: Sending my condolences and love on the loss of David. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Lee Meyer

January 5, 2015

Lee Meyer

January 5, 2015

Lee Meyer

January 5, 2015

The Skene Family

January 5, 2015

To the family of Mr. David, Our son, Alex has been a student of his for almost 10 years, seeing and working with him each week. Words can't express how important he was in Alex's world and how greatly he will be missed. We were blessed to know him. We send our deepest sympathies to all his family.

Barb & Bob Dinan

January 5, 2015

Dear Dixie and family - It was our pleasure to see David's smiling face and bouncing walk at Blue Fish Music and at the Troubadors' concerts. We share your sadness and our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Kathy Waugh

January 5, 2015

Charlie, Dixie and family - we are saddened by the loss of David. Our prayers will continue to be with you during this difficult time. May your memories of David bring you comfort and may he rest in peace. Much love, the Waughs - Curt, Kathy, Audrey and Vivian.

Dick Halloran

January 4, 2015

Charlie,I am so sorry for your loss and I know our bothers in song share this with deep sorrow. Please accept our condolences and prayers for your entire family!Your brother in song,Dick Halloran

Jim Robertson

January 4, 2015

Charlie-I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your son. My prayers are with you and your family. Your brother in song, Jim Robertson

tracy dustman

January 4, 2015

The times that I was around Dave he was never to busy to share a story , he was real genuine nice person who will greatly be missed.Tracy 'Dusty13 Dustman

January 4, 2015

The women and men of Ann Arbor's AAUW (All American University Women) hope they can share your pain. Kathy Stroud, Pres. 2014-2015

Dawn and Paul Brown

January 4, 2015

Our hearts are heavy with the news of your loss. Prayers and love for the entire Cocagne family... our thoughts are especially with Carole, Andy, Natalie and Matthew. Love and peace.

Ilia and Joe Mantle

January 4, 2015

Charles, Dixie, and family. We are deeply saddened by David's death. If we can provide you comfort, know our thoughts and prayers are with you. May the Lord comfort you during this difficult time.

January 4, 2015

Charles, Dixie, and family. We are deeply saddened by David's death. If we can provide you comfort, know our thoughts and prayers are with you. May the Lord comfort you during this difficult time. Ilia and Joe Mantle

Nancy Hamilton

January 4, 2015

Dear Charlie and Dixie,Words cannot express how sad we are for your loss. May the music of our choir and our heartfelt prayers lift David up to Heaven.

Andrew Whitaker

January 4, 2015

Dave was a great teacher. I had the privilege to learn how to play guitar from him when he taught at OCC. He had a passion for teaching music that few possess and was a great encourager. Sad to hear of his passing.

Rest in peace Dave, God bless.

Sheila

January 4, 2015

Davey has always stayed in my heart. He is brilliant, gentle, thoughtful, visionary, loving, and beyond gifted. He always smiled with every tooth showing. He is genuine. Davey is the real deal. By the power of facebook, we were able to reconnect after many years apart. Some of the best moments of my life were shared with Davey. I will always love him. I cannot imagine the heartache his beautiful family is struggling with. His memory will always shine brightly, he is loved by so many. Big hugs to the Cocagne family.

January 4, 2015

Dixie & Charlie: You are in my thoughts and prayers. Fr. Jim McDougall

January 4, 2015

I was so sorry to learn of David's death. May he rest in peace.Jim McMurtrie

January 3, 2015

Dear Dixie and family,

I am so sorry for your loss, and sad that we cannot join you at the visitation as we are in Florida. He sounds like a wonderful soul whom I would have loved to have known. Most sincerely,

Phyllis Swonk

Cathy Utter

January 3, 2015

I would like to express my heartfelt sympathy to you and your family, Andy, in the loss of your dear brother. May the prayers and support of friends help sustain you during these sad minutes, hours and days.

Bill Brittain

January 3, 2015

Charlie, Dixie, Andy, Eddie, and families. Please accept our sincerest condolences at your loss. Know that all of you are in our prayers as we prepare for mass this evening. We are sorry that we are out of the country and will be unable to be there to support you. Please know that we will be with you through our prayers. With all of our love, The Brittain Family

Mark McCabe

January 3, 2015

I was blessed with the opportunity to spend 15 days touring around the state of Michigan with Dave back in the mid 1990's playing in the band for a production of Jesus Christ Superstar. He was on guitar, I was on drums. We knew each other through the music scene in the mid-80's so it was a very nice reunion. We had a blast, he was constantly smiling and saying all kinds of off the cuff hilarious remarks !! He and I were bunkies and I am very grateful for that time.... I saw him a few times over the years since then, and I always knew he would have a smile and that we would always be friends...he was just that way. God Bless your soul Dave. Rest in Peace buddy. My sincere sympathy to all his family and friends.

James Wilhelmsen

January 3, 2015

Dave worked for me at the Clarkston Conservatory for over fifteen years. This very talented man was always respectful of others and self-effacing. He will be greatly missed by his students, friends and colleagues.

January 3, 2015

A beautiful soul has left us. My deepest condolences to the Cocagne Family.

- Pam Conrad, Friend of the Family

January 3, 2015

Dave was one of my only friends in junior high school and I had lost touch with him over the years. I had recently discovered that he had been teaching at Blue Fish Music in Plymouth, which is right next door to my salon. We said hello and good to see you but never reconnected beyond that. I will always remember his great guitar work, his smile and the kindness he always showed me. Also hearing him warming up for Jazz band with some Ozzy 3 blocks from my parents house. Loved it! I'm sure you will be missed by many and my condolences to his family and friends, Matt Mai

Therese Samarco

January 3, 2015

David- I was blessed to have you as a brother-in-law for 8 years. I will always remember your kindness and patience. Family gatherings were always brighter with you and your guitar. We were blessed to have a world class musician serenading us with Happy Birthdays, Christmas Carols and the ever favorite Johnny Cash. My deepest condolences to Dixie, Charlie, Andy, Eddie and their families. God Bless.

Rod and Annie Capps

January 3, 2015

We met Dave on a tour of Jesus Christ Superstar in 1995 and spent 5 weeks rehearsing/on the road with him. He was a beautiful musician and soul - he made us laugh and was an absolute joy to perform with. How I wish we could run a few more tunes together - our deepest sympathies to your family.

Joe Mortz

January 3, 2015

Thank you so much for always being so kind. Your smile and your laugh live on with all of the wonderful music you created.

Lew P

January 3, 2015

From Metallica's first lp to classical guitar for weddings. Thanks for the priceless memories sharing our music filled passions.

Jennifer Newton

January 3, 2015

Dave Cocagne touched every life he came in contact with, forever altering the lives of many for the better. The man never made an enemy, loved his family & friends entirely, lived for music, art, culture & was an example in kindness. He was a unique & beautiful soul. His is a great loss, not just for those who knew him best, but for anyone who had the chance to experience his warm, welcoming manner & infectious smile. I feel blessed & rather unworthy of being able to call him my friend. His presence will be missed beyond words & his existence will, I'm certain, receive the celebration it so greatly deserves. All my sympathy goes to the Cocagne family. May you find a small comfort in the love you are surrounded by.

Eric McDonald

January 3, 2015

Words dont come. R.I.P. my old friend.

Terry Alan Martin

January 3, 2015

I didn't know Dave personally, only through his bands and many same acquaintances. Yet I still feel the loss due to his legacy as a pillar of the Detroit music scene and his renown as a fantastic person. Godspeed Dave, and prayers go out to all his friends and family.

marcha kravens

January 3, 2015

U r going to be truly missed, u were an amazing person.. r.i.p.

Amy Ingram

January 3, 2015

My heart has broken.

Dave Petrie

January 3, 2015

Rest in Peace Dave. Good times back in the day. Cheers.

Christel Wagner

January 3, 2015

David was taken from us to soon and his kind heart and soul will be with us to remember him R.I.P.my friend Christel Wagner

Curt Esper

January 3, 2015

Your smiles and laughter will be missed by many, Dave. Rest in peace.

Marc Neville

January 3, 2015

David Cocagne, you touched many souls with your humanly spirit. You were truly an artist and a gentleman. We all owe a debt to you, only to be paid back by paying it forward!

Alicia Taylor

January 3, 2015

Dave was one of the best people I ever met! Words can't express the loss we all feel...

Lisa (Mroz) Merrill

January 3, 2015

i am so sorry!! hugs and prayers to the family. so many memories from jr high and high school.

Randy Cole

January 3, 2015

R.I.P., My friend.

Dean Hamlin

January 3, 2015

Thanks for the memories! Those old shows where the best times ever. In all of the chaos you always had a grin from ear to ear. Rest easy. See you soon.

Sylvia Caroselli-Kissick

January 3, 2015

Condolences are being sent from Carola Caroselli and family to the Cocagne family. Prayers go out to you all for God's strength and comfort atThis time.

Heather Paxton

January 3, 2015

I am so sorry. Dave was an amazing musician and a really nice guy. Prayers for your family.

Ann Pearce

January 3, 2015

He will be very missed, word escape me. My condolences to the family

Mark Yetso

January 2, 2015

So sad to hear. My condolences to Ed and your family over your loss. Dave will be sadly missed

Mike Maxwell

January 2, 2015

I met Dave in the 80's... What I will remember is his constant smile, and what a nice guy he Always was..... Not to mention what an outstanding guitarist and musician...

Jennifer Fuller

January 2, 2015

A true friend never judges and you epitomize everything I hold dear and hope to be. Thank you for everything you gave us. I will love and miss you terribly.

carrie frost

January 2, 2015

Rip dave we will all miss you more then you could ever know you were always there. For everyone

Chris Levitan

January 2, 2015

David Cocagne was the first familiar face to greet me at Small's for the Speedball show and hand i shook after being away from Detroit for almost 5 years just the day before I read of his passing. So glad i was able to see his smiling face and get to say how much of an influence he was in my life right to his face never ever dreaming it would be the last time. There will never be another like you Dave you touched all our lives with your amazing talent and being. You will live forever in our hearts,memories and souls. R.I.P. old friend.

Rick Ferrante

January 2, 2015

Dave was a good friend to all, always smiling & quick to laugh. A great musician that I had the pleasure of working with. I regret I hadn't got to see him the last time I was in town. R.I.P. My friend & may God be with you & your family.

sarah garvey

January 2, 2015

In memory of Dave Cocagne...a truly anazing person. Love & prayers to his family always<3

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